Why You Should Be Using A Sheet Mask This Winter—And The Best Affordable Ones To Buy

Chances are, winter’s lethal combination of dry heat and Arctic cold fronts has sent you scrambling for a miracle skin treatment. While you maintain your daily routine of serums, oils, and creams, you might need to boost your regimen with a hydrating treatment to keep skin feeling and looking healthy in harsh, changing weather conditions.

“Sheet masks offer a convenient way to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital's department of dermatology. “Masks should complement your general skin care regimen and give a boost of a particular active ingredient when your skin needs it.”

Sheet masks can vary greatly, explains Rhonda Klein, MD, MPH, a dermatologist at the Connecticut Dermatology Group. The sheet can be made from non-woven fiber or cotton in the lower price range, and hydrogel or bio cellulose for a closer fit and better absorption when you spend more. That material is then soaked in serum, which may contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants. By dissolving the ingredients into the sheet, they stay more potent and have a bigger impact on your skin, says Klein. (Find out why people are obsessed with this best-selling bubbling face mask on Amazon.)

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It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for sheet masks to work their magic. Once you remove it—which can generate the same kind of satisfaction you had as a teen peeling off Biore strips—you’ll be left with extra serum that you rub into your skin for added benefits. While these masks can be a bit goofy looking (some would say downright frightening), they’re also easy to use and can be a fun way to indulge yourself. Here, five great options that don't cost a fortune.

Avene Soothing Sheet Mask

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“For the best value with great efficacy, I’d recommend the Avene soothing masks,” says Klein. These are a great option for sensitive skin because the masks are hypoallergenic, fragrance- and paraben-free, and they don’t contain alcohol.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask

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“For hydration, look for a hyaluronic acid face mask,” says Zeichner. “Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge that pulls in the hydration to the outer skin layers.” Neutrogena’s hydrogel formula is able to hold 50% more serum than cloth counterparts, making it a high-impact sheet mask at a drugstore price. (Psst! These are the best facial moisturizers you can buy at the drugstore.)

Peach Slices Hydrate Sheet Mask

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Klein recommends Peach Slices sheet masks for their variety. The K-beauty brand is the newest addition to the cultish Peach & Lily line, putting these radiance-boosting versions at the top of beauty editors' lists. The cotton masks include a serum made from sea buckthorn, rose, and lotus flower, among other natural ingredients, which combine to help fight hyperpigmentation.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb

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Boasting half a bottle of hydrating serum in one sheet mask, the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb made Klein’s list of affordable recommendations. This version includes hyaluronic acid and is non-greasy. For some, the boost in radiance lasts up to 24 hours after use. (For glowing skin, eat these 25 beauty-boosting foods.)

Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Sheet Mask

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One of the top-rated sheet masks on Amazon, the Derma Korea Collagen Essence is made of pear powder, collagen, vitamin E, and minerals that give your skin instant vibrance. Since you don’t have to wash your face after, this set makes the perfect travel companion for flying—when skin gets zapped of moisture.

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